Monday, 19 December 2011

A very generous friend and talented artist Sonia Blair recently offered me the use of her studio, whilst she is away for christmas.

It feels like a million years since I have been able to paint properly, partly because its been a really busy 6 months filled with exhibitions, and partly because of the upheaval of moving back to London, and no longer having a place to work. (and I guess it's also because I'm trying to balance being an artist with looking after a two year old!)

But it feels like finally I am starting to get back on track! The studio has amazing views (and is heated!) it feels like a haven and very productive workspace, I am loving being able to at last get started on some of my new ideas.

I will be in the space working away throughout January which is a very exciting start to 2012, and by February I should have some images of a brand new piece or two if all goes to plan!

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year, and the biggest of thankyous to Sonia for the loan of her beautiful studio.

Monday, 12 December 2011

I am really excited about taking part in an exhibition in LA this December: ‘London Calling’ will feature the work of 30 London based artists.

The exhibition is at ‘OCCCA’ – or The Orange County Centre for Contemporary Art.The gallery has been presenting cutting-edge artwork since 1980, a non-profit corporation, it acts as a catalyst for self-organised initiatives with a keen focus on social engagement, intellectual and cultural exchange and endeavours to produce a forward-thinking intellectual framework.

I will be exhibiting three works, ‘Shoebox’, ‘I hope this does win the Turner Prize’ and ‘Paint Stuff'. Funnily enough I painted Shoebox in 2008, it felt poignant then, but even more so now! I really hope that in the next few years I won't have to paint another version about people having to live in matchboxes.

'Shoebox'

acrylic on canvas

There are 30 of us taking part in the group exhibition, we’ve all been busy fundraising to help towards costs for the show via indiegogo, and a couple of Christmas pop up shops at Debut Contemporary on Westbourne Grove and another near St Pauls.You can see our Indiegogo profile here, we're selling lots of prints and original pieces at discounted prices to help raise funds for the group to ship their work over to LA.

London Calling opens on 21st December and runs until January 12th, The Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA) is located in the Santa Ana Artist Village, which is home to several galleries, artist studios, restaurants, shops, and First Saturday art walks. OCCCA, 117 North Sycamore, Santa Ana, CA. 92701 USA. Visit www.occca.org